The International Indian Classical Dance & Music Festival (ICDMF), Mumbai 2026, organised by Purvai Sannskreetikala Vikaash Kendra, was held recently at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Dadar. The festival paid tribute to the legendary Kathak Guru Pandit Kundan Lal Gangani on his birth centenary.
The festival was inaugurated by Guru Pandit Harish Gangani from New Delhi, who presented an evocative Kathak demonstration in remembrance of his illustrious father, offering audiences a glimpse into the depth, discipline and enduring legacy of the Gangani tradition.
The festival also took the opportunity to honour the distinguished legacy of the Guru Pandit Kundan Lal Gangani Award, remembering Shri Rahul Mishra, Shri Rohit Mishra and Shri Debdeep Misra, the respective award recipients for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
A major highlight was the Guru Pandit Rajendra Gangani Award 2026, which recognised seven outstanding dancers: Mohul Mukherjee, Divyani Mohanty, Gargi Das, Pushpendu Sekhar Ghara, Sharanya Nambiar, Sesha Gireeshan and Resham Bassi.
The award distribution ceremony was graced by Advisor Shri Huzefa Mun, sitarist Ustad Rafat Khan and Chief Guest Shri Shalabh Nayak, Director of Nrityanjali Kala Academy, associated with Khairagarh University.
The festival brought together distinguished judges and artistes, including Shri Kamal Kishor Bandil, Smt. Shraddha Hardikar Shinde, Smt. Kamna Naik, Smt. Nandini Chaudhry Mohanty (Festival Director), Smt. Keya Bhaduri Bhattacharya and her disciple Parama Bhattacharya, Smt. Nibedita Tarafdar, Aruksha Naik and Smt. Manasi Limaye. Shri Amitanand Ray and Shri Shrirang Tembe contributed to the musical presentations and accompaniment.
Their performances captivated audiences, adding to the artistic richness of the festival. Festival Director Smt. Nandini Chaudhry Mohanty also presented Odissi and Kathak performances, while the Talent Hunt segment featured emerging performers Sanskruti Veggalam, Samruddhi Veggalam, Saanvi Gupta, Sakshi Shetty and Swastika Padhi.
ICDMF Mumbai 2026 celebrated India’s rich classical heritage, honouring its distinguished masters while providing a meaningful platform for emerging artistes to showcase their talent and carry the traditions forward.
